Age Requirement for Eye Contacts

Contact lenses benefit people of all ages. While they are typically used by adults, many children find contacts more comfortable and convenient than glasses. Depending on their eye condition, many seniors also choose contact lenses over glasses.

Young People

• There is no age limit for wearing contact lenses. According to the website All About Vision, even babies---for whom glasses would be impractical---may safely wear contact lenses to correct serious vision problems. Many children prefer contacts because glasses become scratched from playing sports or getting lost at the bottom of a backpack.

Seniors

• Contact lenses are a comfortable choice for many but not all seniors. Individuals with arthritis may find it painful to insert and remove contact lenses from their eyes. It can also be difficult for some seniors to spot their contacts when they drop them.

Myopia

• Rigid contacts may be beneficial for older people developing myopia, or nearsightedness. The Contact Lens Manufacturers Association states that many eye specialists believe wearing rigid contact lenses can slow the progression of myopia.